Hand of Silumgar MTG Card

Hand of Silumgar’s deathtouch bolsters both offense and defense, making it a versatile threat. Optimized for black mana decks, its specific mana cost can limit deck flexibility. A must-have for any collection, it shapes gameplay and counters creature-based strategies efficiently.

Hand of Silumgar - Dragons of Tarkir (DTK)

Dragons of Tarkir (DTK)
2015-03-27 - Number 105

Battlebond (BBD)
2018-06-08 - Number 146

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Human Warrior
Abilities	Deathtouch
Power	2
Toughness	1

Text of card

Deathtouch (Any amount of damage this deals to a creature is enough to destroy it.)

Silumgar trains those whom he favors in his magic, granting them the ability to spread his disdain across the land.

Cards like Hand of Silumgar

Hand of Silumgar stands out in the realm of two-mana creatures within Magic: The Gathering with its unique combination of deathtouch and an efficient stat line for its cost. A card that mirrors its low-cost deathtouch trait is Typhoid Rats. Both creatures can deter much larger threats due to deathtouch, but Hand of Silumgar offers a better trade in terms of toughness, surviving longer in battle.

Another comparison can be made with Ruthless Ripper, which shares the same mana value but introduces an additional upside with its morph ability, allowing for an unpredictable and tactical advantage. Despite this, Hand of Silumgar’s consistent deathtouch presence from the onset can be more dependable in certain strategies. Sedge Scorpion is also a fine example of a low-cost deathtouch creature, yet its single toughness makes it a more fragile choice on the battlefield compared to the resilient Hand of Silumgar.

In the arena of deathtouch creatures, Hand of Silumgar offers a solid balance between cost, power, and survivability, presenting it as a favorable option for players looking to enhance their defensive lines while maintaining an offensive threat.

Cards similar to Hand of Silumgar by color, type and mana cost

Order of the Ebon Hand - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: With the Hand of Silumgar card, your deck can gain an edge in terms of card utility. The deathtouch ability allows it to effectively trade with more powerful creatures, which keeps your opponents cautious and limits their options.

Resource Acceleration: Although the Hand of Silumgar doesn’t directly increase resource acceleration like mana generation, its low cast cost enables a quicker presence on the battleground, aiding your momentum in developing board control.

Instant Speed: While not an instant itself, Hand of Silumgar complements instant-speed spells by deterring attacks, giving you the flexibility to spend mana on instants without leaving your defenses down—your opponent must consider the fatal touch of Silumgar’s hand at every turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Despite Hand of Silumgar’s allure for its deathtouch ability, it does not require you to discard cards as a cost, setting it apart from cards that may hinder your card economy.

Specific Mana Cost: This creature card needs a precise combination of black mana to play, limiting flexibility and requiring a dedicated deck structure to maximize its potential. If your deck isn’t centered around black mana, this card could be less useful.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a converted mana cost of two, one might argue that Hand of Silumgar’s cost is on par for its abilities. However, in the fast-paced world of MTG, where efficiency is key, some players find faster or more impactful creatures desirable over Hand of Silumgar’s menace and deathtouch combo for the same cost.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: The Hand of Silumgar card finds its place in diverse deck builds due to its deathtouch ability, which allows it to effectively block and eliminate much larger creatures, acting as an equalizer on the board.

Combo Potential: When synergized with equipment or auras that enhance its offensive capabilities, Hand of Silumgar becomes even more of a strategic asset, enabling decisive plays that can turn the tide of the game.

Meta-Relevance: As creature-based strategies continue to dominate, having a low-cost creature with deathtouch like Hand of Silumgar becomes essential, providing an efficient solution to more formidable threats within the emerging game landscape.

How to beat

Hand of Silumgar presents an interesting challenge on the battlefield in MTG. This unassuming creature card with its deathtouch ability can deter players from attacking or block formidable creatures, potentially tipping the scales of a game. Its low casting cost makes it an early game obstacle that can be difficult to overcome if not addressed quickly.

To effectively counter Hand of Silumgar, consider using removal spells that don’t require your creatures to engage in combat with it. Direct damage spells or spells that force the creature to be sacrificed can easily bypass the deathtouch trait. Moreover, flying creatures are typically out of reach for Hand of Silumgar, offering you a way to pressure your opponent from above while avoiding the danger on the ground. Additionally, enchantments or abilities that prevent or negate deathtouch can provide a safe way for your creatures to engage it without the risk of being destroyed.

Ultimately, dealing with Hand of Silumgar comes down to a strategy that circumvents its lethal touch, favors non-combat solutions, or employs aerial assaults. It’s about controlling the pace and the board, allowing you to handle this threat before it solidifies your opponent’s defenses.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Hand of Silumgar MTG card by a specific set like Dragons of Tarkir and Battlebond, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Hand of Silumgar and other MTG cards:

BUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer

Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Hand of Silumgar Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2015-03-27 and 2018-06-08. Illustrated by Lius Lasahido.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2015-03-27	Dragons of Tarkir	DTK		105	2015	Normal	Black	Lius Lasahido
2	2018-06-08	Battlebond	BBD		146	2015	Normal	Black	Lius Lasahido

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Hand of Silumgar has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Penny	Legal